Dental training programs vary depending on the type of dental career pursued. As with admission requirements, training programs are also regulated by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the ADA. Dental assistant training is usually a two year program for an associate in science and course work includes dental terminology and anatomy, preventative dentistry and nutrition, dental emergencies, radiology, pharmacology and anesthesiology.

Dental hygienists and dentists are both licensed dental professionals that are required to take advanced dental training. Dental hygienists, following a 4 year degree in science, must take a two year rigorous training course that includes training in clinical dental skills, oral anatomy, periodontology, and other sciences. Dentists seek to earn either a DDS or DMD degree, which are considered equivalent, and require 4 years of post-graduate training. Dentists may also take further training for an advanced degree in a dental specialty such as periodontics, orthodontics, or oral and maxillofacial pathology.

Dental assistants and technicians are not required to be licensed to work for a dentist. Dental hygienists however are licensed dental practitioners that may perform a variety of dental services including anesthesia and cleanings, sometimes without supervision of a dentist. The scope to which a dental hygienist may practice dentistry is dependent on state regulations. Dentists must take a state board exam to receive licensure, and are regulated within that state. Dentist�s licenses are not transferable, but may be used to qualify the dentist for licensure in a different state.

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Dental Schools and Degree Programs

Dental schools offer primary or exclusive training in the field of dentistry. Dentistry consists of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions or disorders of the oral cavity and its associated structures. Dental schools offer dental degrees for all types of dental careers including dental assistant, dental hygienist, and dentist.

Dental training varies depending on what type of dental job you are training for. A dental assistant program takes about two years, while training for dentists and dental hygienists requires formal education as well as advanced dental training. Dental professionals provide services typically in offices, but also travel to patients for in home or institutional visits.

Accredited dental schools are required to follow the education standards set forth by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation. These guidelines have general requirements for each type of dental degree. There are 56 accredited dental schools and over 200 dental assisting programs that incorporate these requirements into their prerequisites for admission. Various schools and colleges offer flexible course schedules that range from day, night and weekend classes and training sessions.

Dental Continuing Education

Continuing education courses are important for dental professionals in order to stay current with legal requirements, tools, technology, and other areas that are important to the field of dentistry. Search HealthCare-TrainingCenter.com to find continued education courses for Dental.